Paul Lewis/SINGAPORE
British Aerospace is in discussions over the expansion of its military pilot training operation in Australia to include offering lead-in fighter training for Asian air forces, in an operation that could be loosely modelled on Bombardier's NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) programme.
Company sources emphasise that the idea is still "embryonic ", and that no firm proposals have yet been tabled. The concept of an Australian-type NFTC facility has strong appeal, officials add, given the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) purchase of 33 British Aerospace Hawk 100s and the growing demand for lead-in fighter training in Asia.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force is viewed as a prime candidate for such an operation, with a long-term requirement for a new lead-in trainer to replace its converted McDonnell Douglas TA-4SU Super Skyhawks. Singapore defence force chief Lt Gen Bey Soo Khiang indicated earlier this year that buying flying hours at NFTC was an option. Other potential users could include Malaysia and Indonesia, which operate Hawk 100s and the single-seat 200, and Brunei, which intends to order the advanced trainer/light combat aircraft.
Australia plans to take delivery of its first Hawk in April 2000, but it is likely BAe would need more aircraft to support third-party training. The force has a limited number of flight instructors and its Hawk fleet has been tailored to meet domestic needs only, says an RAAF official, but the new Williamstown airbase support centre would have spare capacity to support additional aircraft once local assembly work is completed.
BAe Australia already owns the Tamworth Flight Training Academy and, with the addition of an advanced/lead-in trainer capability, would be able to offer a complete training package through from ab initio. Tamworth signed a 10-year deal with the Australian Defence Forces in June to conduct all flight screening and basic training from early 1999.
Source: Flight International
